Otumfuo on fire: Destools five chiefs in four months, Abuontemhene latest to go for illegal sale of lands

There was jubilation at the precincts of the Manhyia Palace on Monday, August 21, 2023, when the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II destooled the chief of Abuontem in the Bosomtwe district of the Ashanti Region, Nana Kwaku Duah III for illegally selling lands in the area.

Scores of people from the town mostly women, who thronged the Manhyia Palace to witness the outcome of the case brought against the chief, burst into jubilation after the Asantehene told him that he can no longer continue as chief.

Nana Kwaku Duah III is the 5th chief in the Ashanti Region to be destooled by the Asantehene in the last four months. The four others who also committed various offences including galamsey and illegal sale of lands are, Antoahene , Nana Kwame Owusu Agyeman; Kwasohene, Nana Nketia Boampong II; Abodomhene, Nana Osaforo Koto II, and the Nkonsonhene, Nana Osei Tiri Ababio.

Accusations against Abuontemhene
Nana Kwaku Duah III was accused of disregarding the directives of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and also engaging in the sale of lands, including one under investigation.

“Chiefs are expected to drive the development of their areas and Asanteman. You have failed to carry yourself as customs and traditions demand, and as such you can longer be a chief,” Otumfuo told the beleaguered chief.
The Asantehene reminded the destooled chief who had his cloth dropped to his waist that, “You came to tell me that a contractor Jodesco was selling a parcel of land they acquired in the area. So I called for a meeting with both of you and asked both parties not to step on the land until I complete investigations into the allegations.”
However, Otumfuo added that the chief violated his authority and orders.

Charges
Some sub-chiefs levelled a number of allegations against the chief one of which was that he used Otumfuo’s name for his illegal activities on the land in question, despite ongoing investigation.

They further accused him of venturing into a territory belonging to others and facilitating land sales without proper authorization.

Explanation
When Nana Kwaku Duah III was given the opportunity to defend himself, he denied the allegation of using Otumfuo’s name to enter the disputed land.

However, he admitted allowing some people to work on the land.

Plea for forgiveness
Pleading for forgiveness, he said, “With all due respect, Otumfuo, I am not feeling well, I’m feeling dizzy now but I am pleading because, to be honest, and to speak the truth, I have never stood anywhere before to claim that His Majesty has ruled over a matter in my favour, that is the whole truth. What I said to Nana Acheamfour is that, I permitted them to work on the land.”

Decision
Before the King gave the final verdict, he allowed his chiefs who assembled to speak and they all expressed disgust about the behaviour of the chief.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said: “For me to direct that nobody should go to the said land and for you to go there, you have disrespected my authority for which reason you can no longer remain a chief.“